And so it goes, I’ve just received the news that one of my patients has passed on.

She was the most compliant and responsible patient, always updating us on the latest changes in her body… Be it feeling nauseous, loss of appetite or pain somewhere.

She would be extra aware of drip tubes and call bell, always ensuring they were in their right positions.

I remember the small talks we had, in a little dialect and Mandarin… Sometimes when we had nothing to say, I’d just stay by her side. When I had to leave, she’d thank me.

No doubt, I’d walk away feeling helpless at times.

There was once, she had a fever and fell so ill she had to be transferred to the “High Dependency” unit. Since she had cancer, and thus a very low immunity, a slight increase in body temperature could be a life threatening sign.

She overcame that and returned to my ward. We were so happy to see her back in a better condition. :)

Man… She was a fighter. :)

Value your life.

Now that she’s passed on, I’m quite relieved. Gone are the colourful variety of medicines she had to take daily (most of them are to treat the side effects of cancer treatment… So whatever.) and the boredom of lying on bed.

It’s been about 3 months since I had attachment at NUH. Some memories stay with you eh.

Looking forward to my next 2-week attachment there in December. :)